Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Charleston is 8% more expensive than Gresham.

$1,632/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 8%
$90,038/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 18%
$469,100 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$440,000 ↓ 6%
$1,688/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↓ 6%
152,014
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.57%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $124/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $1,488/year.

Median household income is $16,430/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charleston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Gresham — common questions

Is Charleston or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Gresham?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $124/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Gresham?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $16,430/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Oregon?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Charleston details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Charleston and Gresham

Charleston vs. Roseville Charleston vs. Bellevue Charleston vs. Hollywood Charleston vs. Escondido Charleston vs. Sunnyvale Charleston vs. Jackson Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach